Download Because the Hubble telescope is located in space

The Hubble Space
Telescope produced this
image of a part of a
galaxy where new stars
are appearing.
Because the Hubble telescope is located in space, Earth’s atmosphere
does not interfere with light from objects the telescope is aimed at.
This lack of interference allows it to obtain clearer images than
ground-based telescopes with much larger mirrors. In addition to
collecting visible light, the Hubble telescope produces images of
ultraviolet and infrared radiation.
The Hubble Space Telescope is part of a group of telescopes that
orbit Earth. The telescopes allow astronomers to gain information
from the full range of electromagnetic radiation. The Compton
Gamma-Ray Observatory was sent into orbit in 1991. The Chandra
X-Ray Observatory was launched in 1999, and the Spitzer (infrared)
Space Telescope was launched in 2003. These telescopes were placed in
space because Earth’s atmosphere blocks most x-rays and gamma rays.
Why does the Hubble telescope produce clearer images than
a telescope of the same size on Earth?
KEY CONCEPTS
CRITICAL THINKING
1. How are visible light, radio
waves, and other forms of
electromagnetic radiation
different from each other?
4. Compare and Contrast
What are the similarities
and differences between
refracting telescopes and
reflecting telescopes?
2. What function do mirrors serve
in reflecting telescopes?
3. Why are some telescopes
placed on mountains or in
orbit around Earth?
CHALLENGE
6. Analyze Why might
astronomers use different types
of telescopes to obtain images
of the same object in space?
5. Analyze Why would it be
difficult to build radio telescopes if they did not work
well at low altitudes?
Chapter 17: Exploring Space 595